Here at Shields Chiropractic, we care about more than your back pain. We care about your overall health, and part of that includes your eating habits.

From your very first taste of chocolate, candies, or cakes, your brain is turned on to the wonder of sugar. Sugar can lead you and your brain to an obsession with eating as many sweets as possible. From soda to ice cream, the instant gratification that comes from sugar is something your brain starts to expect. Over time, you will need more of it to experience the same euphoric effect. Before you know it, you will be seeking out that original feeling of joy sugar brought you, and your sugar consumption will become habit.

Just as sugar is addictive, so are other foods like sodium and fat. These foods lead to laziness due to a lack of energy, weight gain, and emotional instability.

Millions of people struggle with unhealthy eating habits, and they aren't easy to escape. Today's society constantly puts unhealthy food choices at the forefront, making it more challenging to develop the healthy eating habits your body needs. The faster the pace of our lives, the easier it is to fall into convenient (and often bad) habits. For the most part, we know what we should eat, but how do we actually form those health habits?

Be Conscious of Your Food Choices

Most of us want to eat healthier meals, but we aren't actually aware of what we're currently eating, making it tricky to change our eating habits. A simple way to track what you're consuming is to log it in a food tracking app. Everything you eat (including snacks and coffee runs) should be logged. Your notes will be detailed, and you will have a better awareness of what you are consuming.

Once you are aware of what you're eating, take the time to determine which foods are not providing you with nutritional value. Figure out what you need to change about your diet and why. Then you will be able to find replacements for those unhealthy items. You can switch from potato chips to protein bars, which will help you maintain a similar eating schedule without consuming empty calories.

Lastly, meal preparation is a great tool to use. If you plan your meals for the week, even the ones you eat at restaurants, you have a better chance of sticking with your new eating plan. That will help you break your old unhealthy habits and create new, healthy ones.

Mind Over Matter

Your mind has a huge effect in forming healthy eating habits. One effective technique we suggest is visualization, a trick even used by elite athletes. Visualization is the practice of focusing on your goals in your mind. It requires you to repeatedly visualize every little detail of what you want to achieve. If your goal is to have more energy and a strong body, then visualize yourself that way. Watch yourself move and imagine what it would feel like to live every day with such a strong sense of vitality. Visualization is an excellent motivator and can help you to choose healthy foods as long as you are in pursuit of that goal.

This is just a starting point on your journey towards optimal health. For more tips, tricks, and guidance, contact us and schedule a consultation today.

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“Dr. Dense and Dr. Barrigar are the best chiropractors my family has ever had. Their attention to detail and drive to help others is impeccable. The staff is very attentive and friendly while the atmosphere is well thought out and comfortable. We utilize the chiropractic care, cold laser therapy and rock taping for my high school athlete and it keeps him injury free and always ready for the next competition. Thank you Shields Chiropractic!!“

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“I’ve been with shields chiropractic for almost 7 years. I would highly recommend them to anyone. Not only are their personalities positive and uplifting but they are always coming up with new ways to help you heal in any way they can. They make your problems seem like theirs. They are without a doubt, like a family to me. I couldn’t imagine going to any other chiropractor.“

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- Louisa O.

“I have lived with Degenerative Disks for 25 years and was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis 12 years ago. I’m 3 weeks in at Shields Chiropractic and am feeling better than I have in a long time. I already don’t have as much of the burning and aching as I normally do. I love the fact they put me on a regiment instead of just “come in as needed”. They have a plan for me, and it’s working. Everyone in the office is great, always a smile, and whether you’re hurting or just want to relax, get a message, they don’t disappoint!“

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“I have been having hip and back pain for years. Family Dr said next step would be surgery and I was not alright with that at my age. I took the advice if a friend and came into the Clinic. I was very nervous. After my 4th adjustment,I slept through the night without waking up in pain. I have a lot more mobility after just a week and a half. I so wish I would have done this years ago. The doctors and staff are so nice and very informative. Love them!“

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“I’ve had neck problems for a couple years causing pain and severe headaches and my doctor recommended a chiropractor I was scared at first but the staff at Shields are so friendly they know pretty much everyone by name when they walk in the door! The doctors are very nice and sound very concerned and within the first couple visits I’ve been feeling much better less headaches and less neck pains would recommend them to anyone.“

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“After having a severe migraine for 4 days straight, I for the first time went and got adjusted and had a cold laser treatment done. I felt relief right away and completly after the next day of going again. Everyone at shields chiropractic are super friendly and helpful. I highly recommend this office.”